Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Athletics Holds Record-Setting Food Drive
12/7/2017 10:38:00 AM | 'Cats Give Back, Academic Services & Student Development
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation in conjunction with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently completed its annual Canned Food Drive, bringing in over 10,000 non-perishable food items to help the less-fortunate.
The King NU P.R.I.D.E. Program, with special contributions from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Speech and Hearing Clinic, oversee what has become an annual holiday tradition that benefits Family Focus of Evanston.
"As a student-athlete community, we have always held a strong commitment to community outreach, and the canned food drive is one of our events of the year," said Samantha Nettling, a member of the Northwestern softball team and the SAAC executive board. "It's a time when we get to utilize our platform to give back to those right here in the Evanston community, and give them something to look forward to during the holidays. With full participation from all 19 teams, and striving to surpass our goal year after year, it serves as an initiative that unites the department as a whole to benefit a great organization in Family Focus."
Family Focus provides parents and their children with critical resources and learning opportunities to encourage healthy development in their communities. The organization provides parents with training and educational tools to support healthy early childhood development. It also supports children and youth ages 6-18 through enhanced educational opportunities programs to explore science, technology, engineering and math, as well as sports and cultural activities that encourage healthy development, self-confidence and the ability to create positive relationships.
This year's total set a record, besting last year's mark of 7,018 food items. Items were raised this year through contributions from all 19 of NU's varsity athletics programs and staff as well as fans who attended the Nov. 15 men's basketball and Nov. 16 women's basketball games.
Northwestern student-athletes teamed up to deliver the items collected this year to Family Focus on Friday, Dec. 2 in time to help families in need for the upcoming holidays.
The King NU P.R.I.D.E. Program, with special contributions from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Speech and Hearing Clinic, oversee what has become an annual holiday tradition that benefits Family Focus of Evanston.
"As a student-athlete community, we have always held a strong commitment to community outreach, and the canned food drive is one of our events of the year," said Samantha Nettling, a member of the Northwestern softball team and the SAAC executive board. "It's a time when we get to utilize our platform to give back to those right here in the Evanston community, and give them something to look forward to during the holidays. With full participation from all 19 teams, and striving to surpass our goal year after year, it serves as an initiative that unites the department as a whole to benefit a great organization in Family Focus."
Family Focus provides parents and their children with critical resources and learning opportunities to encourage healthy development in their communities. The organization provides parents with training and educational tools to support healthy early childhood development. It also supports children and youth ages 6-18 through enhanced educational opportunities programs to explore science, technology, engineering and math, as well as sports and cultural activities that encourage healthy development, self-confidence and the ability to create positive relationships.
This year's total set a record, besting last year's mark of 7,018 food items. Items were raised this year through contributions from all 19 of NU's varsity athletics programs and staff as well as fans who attended the Nov. 15 men's basketball and Nov. 16 women's basketball games.
Northwestern student-athletes teamed up to deliver the items collected this year to Family Focus on Friday, Dec. 2 in time to help families in need for the upcoming holidays.
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